This unit covers some fundamental issues which are central in philosophy and which provide an introduction to contemporary philosophical debate. The topics are organised around three major themes—God, Mind and Knowledge. It covers such issues as whether it is reasonable to believe in God, whether we have grounds for believing in the external world, whether the mind and brain are really distinct and what makes us count as the same person over time.

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) identify and evaluate arguments in philosophical texts; (2) independently construct arguments for philosophical positions; (3) understand and apply the methodologies of contemporary philosophy; (4) identify and evaluate assumptions underpinning philosophical viewpoints on topics such as ethics, free will, knowledge and religion; (5) demonstrate sound research skills and written and oral communication skills; (6) demonstrate an understanding of important historical and contemporary philosophical ideas in areas such as ethics, free will, knowledge and religion; (7) articulate and understand a number of philosophical problems in relation to religion; (8) articulate and understand key issues in metaphysics and epistemology; (9) reason effectively towards answers in the above areas; and (10) evaluate philosophical positions in the above areas.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) essay; (2) examination; and (3) participation. Further information is available in the unit outline.

Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit except in the case of a bachelor's pass degree student who has obtained a mark of 45 to 49 overall and is currently enrolled in this unit, and it is the only remaining unit that the student must pass in order to complete their course.

The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.

All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.

Books and other material wherever listed may be subject to change. Book lists relating to 'Preliminary reading', 'Recommended reading' and 'Textbooks' are, in most cases, available at the University Co-operative Bookshop (from early January) and appropriate administrative offices for students to consult. Where texts are listed in the unit description above, an asterisk (*) indicates that the book is available in paperback.